1. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Holiday Crime Prevention Tips presented by: The Atlanta Police Department & Midtown Blue

2. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Holiday Crime Prevention Tips 'Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches.

3. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Holiday Crime Prevention Tips Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than becoming the victimof a crime.

4. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Unfortunately burglars view the holiday season a little differently…for them, it is a time of opportunity to burglarize your home for cash, credit cards, and gifts.

5. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home The following are a few strategies that will help you enjoy the holidays without incident.

6. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave your house or apartment, even for a few minutes.

7. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Don’t openly display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window so it’s easily visible from the street. It’s too tempting for a potential criminal to smash the window and grab the wrapped packages. Or plan a later break-in based on their earlier observation.

8. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Don’t advertise …Burglars look for occupancy cues like outdoor lights burning 24 hours a day, piled up newspapers, mail, or advertising flyers hanging on the door knob.

9. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Use an inexpensive light timer when you are away and ask a neighbor to pick up your newspapers and mail.

10. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home If you go out for the evening, turn on lights and a radio or television so the house or apartment appears to be occupied.

11. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Burglars know to look for the hidden door key near the front entrance. Don’t hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to a trusted neighbor.

12. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Burglars prefer to enter through unlocked doors or windows. A holiday problem can occur when exterior Christmas light extension cords are run inside through a window and prevent it from being secured.

13. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Don’t post your family name on your mailbox or on you house. A burglar can call directory assistance to get your telephone number and call your home while in front of your house to confirm that you are away.

14. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home Don’t leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like, “You’ve reached the Wilson’s…we’re away skiing for the Christmas holidays…please leave a message.” Bad guys love to hear that they have plenty of time to break in and completely ransack your home.

15. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Protecting Your Home After Christmas day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes from your new computer, DVD player, or stereo receiver on the street for the garbage man. Burglars appreciate knowing that you have expensive gifts inside for them to steal. Break the boxes down or cut them up to conceal the items better.

16. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Christmas is a time of year during which many of us will be busy shopping and running errands in order to be ready for the Holiday Celebration. We must not forget that criminals will also be out and about looking for easy targets to make a big score.

17. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

18. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Shop before dark if possible. Coordinate shopping trips with a friend. Never park in an unlit lot or area, no matter how convenient it is.

19. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicle's trunk. Keep you vehicle's doors locked and windows closed. This is especially relevant for SUVs.

20. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Have your keys readily available in your hand before you go to your car.

21. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed.

22. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check, credit card, or debit card when possible.

23. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips To discourage purse-snatchers, don't overburden yourself with packages. Have your purchases delivered whenever practical.

24. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse under your arm. Keep a wallet in an inside jacket pocket, not a back trouser pocket.

25. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html Shopping Prevention Tips Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con- artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

26. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html And Remember… NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

27. Find this tool and more on Banker Tools on BankersOnline.com http://www.bankersonline.com/tools/tools.html HO..HO..Ho.. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!